Our God is Greater
Simon Mwanamoya was our longest-serving FCA staff in southern Africa. He used relationships through soccer to disciple athletes, equip coaches with the Gospel, and expand Discovery Bible Study across his country.
Minnesota FCA is aligned with five countries in Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Seychelles, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as well as British Indian Ocean Territory. The story below is from Shelley Pearson's (Northland FCA Regional Director of Ministry Advancement) newsletter.
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After Simon was killed in that car accident in Zambia in November, I questioned why God would take Simon when he was doing such amazing ministry. And beyond that, why would God have us go on a trip there just days before He would take Simon home? What purpose did our trip serve? What in the world did God have planned?
And again, God taught me that He always knows better.
Because we went:
- We were able to build relationships with the Amazing Grace leaders, coaches, and athletes so we can encourage them.
- We have a greater understanding of the challenes so that we can better walk alongside.
- Dave (my donor that came on the trip and wasn't sure why God had him there) is mentoring Roy as he learns to lead well, and he has been helping to raise funds to bridge some gaps in funding so ministry can continue.
God sent us because He was going to take Simon home. That is sobering. And humbling. And I am so thankful to be part of His plan.
Look at these pictures. This was an incredible celebration on Easter weekend. As the Amazing Grace Football Club celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they also celebrated God's redemption for their team and for the ministry God started many years ago through one humble man, Simon Mwanamoya.
These guys had FUN together. The last five months have been HARD. They just enjoyed being together, and my favorite part . . . they had Bible Study together. Check it out!
And my new favorite picture . . . Roy is doing a tremendous job leading this ministry. I think of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit before Elijah was taken up to Heaven. I think God is blessing Roy in the same way. No one could do all that Simon was doing (not even Simon). Simon was a tremendous, Spirit-filled leader with a gigantic vision. He was intelligent and poured himself out for the ministry. I see the same spirit in Roy, and my favorite part is how I see Roy stepping into a leadership role with God at the head. His heart is for the coaches and athletes to grow in relationship with Christ. And here he is, helping some of the female players to understand God's Word.
One last cool story. After Simon died, our international leader in Pakistan reached out to me (I know, I was like, "huh?"). Imran told me that Simon had ordered new uniforms for the entire club but hadn't paid for shipping yet. I covered the shipping and then waited for the uniforms to arrive in Zambia. And waited. And waited. I reached out to Roy. They hadn't received them. I reached out to Imran (oops, he hadn't sent them yet, and I was a little frustrated). He then shipped them, and guess when they came? Just in time for this Easter celebration. Isn't God good?
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